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Plans for new Northampton bus interchange submitted for approval

19 April 2012

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Plans for a new bus interchange in Northampton have been submitted to Northampton Borough Council for approval.

The development, which is being jointly promoted by Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council and WNDC would be located on the site of what is now the Fishmarket and would be a key step in the regeneration of the town centre.

It would enable the demolition of the Greyfriars Bus Station and the subsequent expansion of the Grosvenor Centre.

Its location, on the corner of Drapery, Bradshaw Street and Silver Street will allow easy access to shops, the Market Square, the Royal & Derngate, Castle Station and other town centre attractions and facilities.

The proposal is for 12 bus bays to be located within a new building, which would accommodate ticketing facilities, toilets a café and shops. Seven bus bays would be located at the top of Drapery, with a further two bus bays on Bradshaw Street.

To help develop the design and proposals there has been liaison with current bus station users, bus operators, mobility and older people groups as well as the general public.

Current and potential bus activity has also been analysed to make sure the new interchange is fully fit for purpose both now and in the future.

As part of the planning application process, the proposals will be on display at the One Stop Shop in The Guildhall between 9am and 5pm from Friday, April 20 to Friday, May 4.

The exhibition will also be staffed between Monday, April 23 and Friday, April 27 from 11am to 5pm to give people the opportunity to ask questions about the design.

Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, county council cabinet member for infrastructure and public protection, said: “The regeneration of Northampton is really starting to gather pace now and the new bus interchange is an integral part of this development as it complements much of the other work which will be taking place.

“For many the bus interchange would be their introduction to the town, so it’s important that we have a building which is bright, clean and welcoming and I believe this is the case with the designs we have here.”

Councillor Tim Hadland, Northampton Borough Council's cabinet member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning said: “This is something our town needs. We have been working on providing the best environment for regular bus users and visitors to our town centre.

“At the same time we will be freeing up a large area north of the town centre for redevelopment to improve our town centre, which will attract investment and create jobs.”

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “The new bus interchange is a key part of a bigger picture.

“Not only will it provide modern facilities for bus passengers, it will support the future redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre. It is therefore a crucial element of local plans to attract new jobs and investment to the town.”

The bulk of the finance for the project is being provided by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, which has allocated £4 million.

Northampton Borough Council has contributed £3million with £600,000 coming from the county council.

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